Rotary electric switch



ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Nov. 15, 1944 s Sheets-Sheet 1 jmmmm'lilim an 86 5 15 9 aa 55 1 .57 l a5 /57-|j'-/57 76 3" 47 6 455 7 82, '56 7 as 54 577 157 l}; 5

76 55 5! I24 55 as a7 53 z 78 I '55 50 76 bmo/vxm" a g mm 7a lI-I/ llli r g Feb. 26, 1946.

w i @W wi x g RUBBER- G. J. MEUER ET AL ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Nov. 13, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 26, 1946. J MEUER HAL v I 2,395,572

v ROTARY ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Nov. 13, 1944 5 She ets-Sheet s W H z :25 504 zoa mo T -41 2129 25' Patented Feb. 26, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

2,395,572 ROTARY ELECTRIC swrrcn t f George J. Meuer, Milwaukee; and Ralph A. Millermaster, Whitefish Bay,

Wis., assignors to Cutler-Hammer, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Application November- 13, 1944, Serial No. 563,132

23 Claims; (Cl. 2006) This invention relates to improvements in rotary electric switches.

A primary object of the invention is to improve I in the manner in which the switch parts may be assembled, whereby a large variety of desired circuit controlling characteristics of the completed switches may be attained. V

Another object is to provide parts of simple form which may be combined to form switches of either single-pole or multi-pole type.

Another object is to provide for use of a novel and extremely shallow or wafer-form of molded insulating base to house each pole of the completed switch.

Another object is to provide novel and simple means for constructing a rotary switch having from two to eight different operative positions.

Another and more specific object of the invenrespective carriers, according to the particular character of circuit commutation desired.

Another object is to provide a novel form. of operating knob, and a novel form of attachment thereof to the operating shaft of the switch.

Another object is to provide parts of novel form and arrangement to provide either a single-pole or multi-pole switch of relatively small size or dimensions but of relatively high current controlling capacity.

Another object is to provide a molded insulatmg base having recesses of novel form therein to house andv support the resilient stationary contacts and the contactor of the switch.

Various other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

The accompanying drawings illustr te certain embodiments of the invention w 0 will now be described, it being understood that the embodiments illustrated are susceptible of modification within the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a side elevational view (actual size) of a three-pole, binding screw type of rotary 95 electric switch; said switch being 01' the singletion is to provide a single rotary switch which may be of the eight-position, multi-pole type to afiord control of as many asthirty-flve or more electric circuits.

Another object is to provide combined contact and terminal members of novel form, the terminal portions of which are exposed and readily accessible at the exterior of each base.

Another object is to provide indexing means of novel form which also acts to provide'for movement of the movable switch parts from each op-s erative position thereof to another with a quick action.

Another object is to'provide novel means for uniting the parts of such a switch of either the single-pole or multi-pole type, and novel means for mounting the switch as a whole.

Another object is to provide a novel form of element to substitute for each terminal member, when omitted, to insure maintenance of a substantially dust-tight condition of the completed switch.

Another object is to provide a novel form of insulating carrier for the rotatable eontactor associated with each insulating base.

break .type, and the same having eight operative positions; namely, seven "on positions and one off position.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of said switch, with the vknob and a part of the one-hole mounting means removed.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional vie on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

ing a wiring terminal portion of the binding screw type (Figs. "3 and '7), or for alternatively accommodating a rubber plug or closure member of the form illustrated inFig. 1o.

Fig. 6 is a'pla'n view oran external vertical connector or bus member, which may be employed in conjunction with arm three "vertically the collector ring portion being broken away Another object is to provide different forms of contactors adapted for aitemative use with the from its terminal and shown in dotted outline. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the relationship of the insulating carrier, the

contact into and out of engagement with which the contactor is adapted to be moved.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view, on the line 9-9 of Fig. 3, showing the stationary stop plate and the movable stop plate for cooperation therewith.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a rubber plug which may be employed to 'seal the outer end of one of the base recesses when a combined contact and terminal member is omitted.

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of a modified form of molded insulating base showing four solderlug type combined contact and terminal mem- Jbers arranged for cooperation with a special form of contactor to provide a double-break switch having an off position and three "on positions.

Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view, on the line i2-i2 of Fig. 11; but showing a fragment of the metal cover member and certain parts associated therewith, and a fragment of a lower pole of the switch.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the special form of double-break contactor shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

Fig. 14 is a plan view of the developed, or blank, form of the lug-type stationary contact of Figs. 11 and 12; the points at which the blank is bent or reflexed being indicated by dotted lines.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of the cooperating stationary and movable stop plates as employed for the four-position switch of Figs. 11 and 12; ad-

' ditional lugs being provided, which lugs may be removed (as indicated by dotted lines) to afford proper stops for two to eight position switches, when desired.

- Fig. 16 isa top plan view of a modifled form of metal cover member which may be employed when a ninety-degree indexing switch is desired to afford a greater spacing of the stationary contacts of the switch.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a modified form of double-break contactor which is functionally like that shown in Figs. 11, 12 and 13 and which may be substituted therefor with advantage. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a. terminal extension member employed upon a binding screw terminal type of switch to provide for rear wiring thereof.

Fig. 19 is a plan view of an insulating plate attached to the lower' face of a switch base and cooperating with extensions of the character illustrated in Fig. 18 to assist in positioning the latter, and

Fig. 20 is a horizontal sectional view through vide clearance for insertion and rotation of the polygonal portion 29 of the shaft; said portion preferably being of square form in transverse cross section, as best illustrated in Figs. 4, 7 and 9.

The sub-recess 21 in each base 25 is formed in part by an integral annular downward extension 30, and in part by an annular upward extension 3i formed integrally with the bottom wall of recess 21. The flat upper surface 32 of upward extension 3i forms a bearing for the flat lower surface of a carrier member 33 formed of a suitable insulating material, such as the material sold under the trade name of Melmac." Member 33 is preferably of circular contour, as best illustrated in Fig. 8, and the same is provided centrally thereof with a rectangular opening 34 I to accommodate with a rather close sliding fit the shaft portion 29, whereby said carrier is constrained to rotate with the shaft? An upstanding flange 35 surrounds and forms a part or extension of opening 34. Carrier 33 is also provided at its periphery with a series of eight equally spaced integral upstanding studs 36 which thus provide therebetween a corresponding number of shown in Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive, the numeral 25 designates an extremely shallow recessed base molded from a suitable insulating material, such as Bakelite. When a three-pole switch is desired, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, three of the bases 25 are employed. It is, of course, to be understood that the number of poles provided in the switch may vary from one to a muc number. For practical reasons, hoween not more than twelve poles are usually provided in a rotary switch of the character herein disclosed.

When two or more of the bases 2| are employed in a switch the same are initially of identical form; each base including a centrally located substantially circular recess 26, and a conequally spaced grooves or slots 31. As shown in Fig. 8, an alternate four of the eight slots 31 are preferably arranged to extend in directions at right angles to the planes of the four respective sides of opening 34, and the other alternate slots extend in planes radial to the four corners of said opening.

Carrier 33 is adapted to accommodate, in any one of eight different angular positions, a contactor which may be of the'single-break type shown at 38 in Figs. 3, 7 and 8. As best illustrated in Fig. 8, contactor 38 is provided with an annular portion 3! adapted to flt between the peripheral studs 36 and opening 84; said portion preferably having an inner edge portion or opening 40 shaped as shown to flt around or accommodate the upstanding flange il in any one of eight different angular positions (see Fig. '7).

Extending radially outward from annular portion 39 (and preferably radially alined with one of the notches 4i forming the periphery of opening 40) is a single arm 42 whose outer end is bent vertically upward and shaped to outwardly convexed form, as indicated at ll, for cooperation with the stationary contact or contacts of the switch.

Said annular portion 3! is provided with an upstanding peripheral flange ll of substantially uniform height; said flange extending from points adjacent opposite sides of arm 42 throughout the remainder of the periphery of portion 39;

the spaced ends of said flange being rounded or convexly curved downwardly, as indicated at I! and I! in Fig. 8, to avoid sharp corners at the upper edges thereof respectively.

The flat upper edge of flange ll is adapted to be continuously engaged throu hout substantially larger tially a right angle to portion II.

its entire length (as shown in Fig. 3) by a collector ring 41 formed integrally with an arm ll bent downwardly at a predetermined angle from a substantially vertical portion II which is bent to extend at slightly more than a right angle to the portion ll, which is in turn bent at substan- Portion II is provided with a circular opening (not shown) to centric substantially circular sub-recess 21 whose lower end is closed by an integral relatively thin diaphragm 28. Diaphragm 28 is removed, preferablv by broaching, from all of the bases 2! except the lowermost base of each switch, o p oportion 54 which fits into one of the eight equally spaced notches or grooves of like shape formed in the peripheral wall of base 25, as hereinafter described. Member 52 is also provided with a relatively large outer end portion 55 of square contour which non-rotatably fits into an upwardly opening notch portion in said base. Member 52 is tapped, as indicated at 55 in Fig.8,to receive the shank of a binding screw 51 (see Fig. 7).

In an eight-position, single-break switch of the character illustrated in Figs. v1 to 9 a total of eight terminal members 52 will be employed; seven of such members having rigidly and permanently attached thereto like resilient stationary contact elements of the form best illustrated at 58 in Fig. 8. Thus each element 58 is provided with a flat perforated portion 59 over which the reduced end 53 of member 52 is upset as shown; a relatively longer straight portion 60 which is bent in a counterclockwise direction at an angle of approximately thirty-one degrees with respect thereto, said portion 60 preferably having a downwardly opening notch 5 i formed therein to increase the resiliency thereof. At the right-hand end of portion 50 of each element 58 (see Fig. 8) the latter is cut away or downwardly offset, as indicated at 62, to insure adequate spacing between the stationary contact tips and the 001 lector ring 41 when employed. Cut away portion 52 is bent in a clockwise direction with respect to portion 50, as indicated at 63, and the free end thereof is bent in a counterclockwise direction, as indicated at 64. The forward upper edge of said end is preferably curved downwardly. as indicated at 55, and said end is undercut at 65,1eaving a sufllcient height of material to afford a proper contact tip 61 for cooperation with the aforementioned contactor tip 43. I

In practice we prefer to form the element from a composite metal strip or plate; the inner surface 58, Fig. 8, of which consists of,a relatively thin layer of silver andthe outer surface 59 of which consists of a relatively thicker layer of bronze or hard copper.

For the purpose of accommodating the terminal members 52 and the stationary contacts or the collector ring respectively attached thereto, each base 25 is provided with eight equally spaced auxiliary recesses extending approximately tangentially from the main recess 25 to the periphery of the base (see Figs. 5 and 7). Thus the upwardly opening square portion of each peripheral notch is illustrated at 10 in Fig. 5; the same accommodating the square outer end portion 55 of a terminal member 52 to restrain the latter against rotation. The po;tion of each peripheral notch which accommodates the cylindrical portion 54 of each member 52 has a flat lower midportion or surface H, on opposite sides of which are upwardly angled surfaces or fillets l2 and 13. A curved or concave surface to accommodate said portion 54 might, of course, be substituted for the Y ,ach combined contact and terminal member with respect to the base 25. Said wall extends inwardly toward main recess 25 until the former merges tangentially with the outer periphery of a cylindrical stud 15 (Fig. 7) formed integrally with the bottom wall .of recess 25. The stud 15 and an adjacent portion of wall I5, as indicated at 11, are of substantially less height than the remainder of said wall 15, such remainder preferably being substantially flush with the upper surface of base 25. Such lower height of the 5 wall portion I1 and stud I5 is adapted to function in conjunction with the cut away or undercut of the end portion or tip 51 of the stationary contact to afford adequate clearance for the latter upon outward flexing or movement thereof as an incident to engagement therewith of the contactor tip 43. The other sides of wall portions 15 and I1 and stud 15 form complementaryportions of the next adjacent auxiliary recess 14, as is readily apparent.

As shown inFig. 5 each auxiliary recess I4 is provided just inside of notch portion H, 12, 13 with a flat ledge or fillet I8 formed integrally with base 25, said ledge being adapted to act as a seat for the lower edge of portion 59 (Fig. 8) of a contact element 59, whereby the remainder of the length of the latter is spaced upwardly a substantial distance above the bottom wall of said auxiliary recess. By this means free flexing of the active portion of each stationary contact with respect to base 25 is provided for, as indicatedinFig.3. e

As aforeindicated all of the auxiliary recesses 14 are of identical form so that each of the same is adapted to accommodate a combined stationary contact and terminal member of the character.

just described. However, when a single-break switch is desired'the aforedescribed collector ring section which extends through base 25. Base 25 is provided with two other passages 80 and 5| the passages 19 andall being spaced like distances from passage 8|, which distances are greater than the distance of passages 19 and 95 from each other. By this .means assembly of the insulating basesin only one rotary relationship to each other and to the metal supporting and cover plate (hereinafter described) is insured. As will be apparent from Figs. 3 and 7, the

aforementioned studs 16 jointly define a circle in close proximity to the respective carrier 35 to assist in insuring properly centered relationship 01 the latter to its base 25. Also as shown in 7 these figures, the arm 42 and tip 43 of the contactor project radially into overlapping relation-v ship to the studs I6 to afford the proper degree of outward flexing of the stationary contact arms,

whereby an adequate amount of contact pressure is insured.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 7, when all'oi the eight wiring terminal members 52 and binding screws are in assembled position upon each base 25 the periphery of the latter is rendered substantially dust-tight; However, as best illustrated in Fig. 1, the terminal members 52 extend upwardly slightly beyond the upper surface of base 25, and to peripherally seal the upper end of said base'we prefer to employ a resilient insulating gasket 92 which is of suilicient width to overlie each terminal member 52 and the portion 59 of a stationary contact "or the portion 5| of the collector ring attached to the terminal member. Gasket 82 is preferably composed of finely divided cork and synthetic rubber. Such a composition is sold commercially under the trade name of Corprene." Gasket" 13 provided with eight equally spaced inwardly extending bulges or enlargements (not shown) to accommodate a corresponding number of perforations, three of which will be alined with the openings or passages IS. and 8| in the base in any one of eight different rotary positions of the gasket with respect to the base.

When the switch includes two or more bases 25, a gasket 82 will thus be interposed between each two adjacent bases, the same serving both as dust-tighting means and as cushioning means to absorb the strain upon the bases as an incident to final attachment of the latter to each other and to the supporting means. Due to the interlocking of bases with said gaskets l2 rotation of the bases 25 with respect to each other is definitely prevented. Superimposed upon the gasket 82 associated with the upper base 25 of a group is a flat punched insulating plate I: which is substantially thicker than gasket 82 but of the same peripheral contour as the latter (see Fig. 3); Plate 83 is preferably composed of a so-called phenolic paper base material. -Plate 83 is provided with eight equally spaced circular openings to be alined with the corresponding openings in the gasket or gaskets 82; said plate being also provided with a central circular opening 84 of substantially the same size as the opening 88 in ring 41 (Figs. 3 and 8). Openings l4 and 25 are adapted to .freely accommodate a hollow insulating bushing '8 consisting of a suitable length of Bakelite" tubing; said bushing performing the same function as the downward projection of a base 25 with respect to a switch positioned therebelow; namely, to retain the contactor 38 against substantial upward displacement from its carrier ll.

Superimposed upon insulating plate '2 isa flat, punched sheet metal stop plate of the form best illustrated at 81 in F18. 9; plate II having three openings 88, 29 and 90 adapted to be respectively alined with the passages 1!, ll and ll in the base or bases 25. Plate 8'! is provided with a relatively large substantially circular central opening 9| having a single inwardly projecting stop lug 92 which is radially alined with the aforementioned opening II. The opposite side edges of lug 92 are selectively engageable by opposite side edges of a single step lug 93 formed upon a cooperating fiat, ptmched sheet metal stop plate 94. The lower surface of plate I is adapted to bear upon the upper surface of plate 83 (see Fig. 3). Stop plate 24 is formed of slightly thinner metal than plate 21, but the arrange-- ment is such that the lower surfaces thereof are normally in coplanar relationship to each other. Plate 84 is provided with a centrally located square opening 85 adapted to slidably accommodate the aforementioned square portion 22 of the operating shaft of the switeh; whereby plate 24' is constrained to rotate with said shaft. Plate N is biased downwardly, as shown in Figs. 3 and 9, by a spring plate ll formed of bronze or a sim-' ilar resilient metal; plate 22 being bent or bowed upwardly between opposite ends" and I thereof, and the same having a square opening ll therein to likewise accommodate said square portion 2! of the shaft. Said portion 2! is provided with a transverse passage to accommodate a pin III, the intermediate portion of which is preferably provided with an enlargement (not shown) to afford a drive fit thereof within said shaft opening; the spring 96 being placed under the desired degree of compression against plate 04 as an incident to assembly of the switch parts.

Also as shown in Fig. 3 the pin I00 affords at its upper surface an abutment for the lower surface of the approximately rectangular intermediate or central portion' IIII of a metal member, preferably composed of a punched plate of spring steel of the form best illustrated in Fig. 4. Thus member IOI is provided with an opening I22 to accommodate shaft portion 29, whereby said member is constrained to rotate with the shaft. Said portion III is integrally connected, by neck portions I 03 and I, with a ring IIII, the ring sections I06 and I01 at opposite sides of necks Ill and I 04 being bent upwardly to a predetermined degree (see Fig. 3); each section I and I 21 having an opening I" and II! respectively formed therein to accommodate portions of a pair of metal balls or spheres III and III. whereby said balls are biased upwardly into engagement with the inner surface II2 of a metal cover member III.

material of said cover member, as best illus-,

trated in Figs. 2 and 3. Cover member H2 is provided with a flange I22 overlying the stop plate 21, and said flange is provided with three properly positioned openings to accommodate the threaded shanks of bolts I2! which project upwardly through the various other parts of the switch. The kerfed heads of said bolts are designated by the numeral I24 (Figs. 1 and 3), and nuts I25 are provided for securing or clamping the parts in assembled relation.

As will be apparent the balls Ill and III are adapted to cooperate with diametrically opposed pairs of the recesses Ill to I to definitely and accurately locate shaft 28 and oontactor 32 in any one of eight operative positions; the camming action of said balls with respect to saidrecesses serving to normally insure movement of the contactor from each operative position to another with a quick action.

Cover member II; is provided with a central circular opening I26 (Fig. 3) which is adapted to accommodate the reduced lower end I21 of an externally threaded hollow metal bushing I28:

' said bushing having an external slot I20 formed respect to an indicating dial or plate with which the operating knob is adapted to cooperate. Al shownin Fig. 1, a panel or supporting plate Ill may have suitable numerals or legends (not shown) applied to the outer surface thereof; said panel having an opening I22 formed therein to accommodate bushing I22. A sheet metal member III of substantially washer form fits over said bushing and has an inwardly extending tongue (not shown) to fit between the side A hexagonal nut I31 cooperates with the thread on bushing I28 to clamp the assembled switch in position; a split or other type of lock-washer I33 preferably being interposed between nut I31 and member I33.

The cylindrical. portion I39 of the shaft is adapted to rotatablybear within the bushing I28 as best illustiiated in Fig. 3; said shaft having an annular kerf I43 therein into which a split washer MI is forcibly insertable, said washer overlying the flat upper end of bushing I23 to positively limit the downward displacement of the shaft under the bias of spring member IIII. The extreme upper end portion I42 of the shaft is cut away to provide a flat side I43; said flat side as shown being preferably located in a plane at right angles to the direction in which the pointed portion I44 of knob I45 extends. As best illustrated in Fig. 20, knob I45 is preferably of substantially wedge shape in horizontal cross section; the same having a relatively large downwardly openingcylindrical recess, shown in dotted lines at I45 in Fig. 1, to accommodate the upper end of bushing I23, and a relatively smaller cylindrical recess I41 toaccommodate the flatted upper end portion I42 of the shaft. Knob I45 is provided at its rear end with a passage I48 leading to recess I41, said passage havalthough a knob of anydesired form might, of

course, be employed.

Although we have thus far described a switch having seven "n positions and one "off position with a contactor of the single-pole type, it is to be understood that the number of on positions might be decreased and the number of off positions correspondingly increased by merely omitting the stationary contacts at one or more points in the respective bases 25. By this means terminal portions of from two to quired for clamping of the bared end of a common circuit wire. Connector I54 is also preferably provided with rectangular openings I53 which produce, opposed relatively narrow strip portions I51 to facilitate bending of the connector over the outwardly projecting peripheral portions of all but the lowermost base. The number of connectors employed may, of course, be varied in accordance with the requirements of a given installation. Similarly the connectors may be made in various lengths for cooperation with the any desired number of bases.

After tightening oi nuts 12s the exposed ends of the bolt shanks I 23 are preferably upset thereover' to positively prevent accidental loosening of said nuts. Ifdesired, of. course, rivets (not shown) of suitable length might be substituted for bolts I23 and nuts I25.

Also while we have described a stationary stop plate 81 having a single stop lug 92 formed in-' tegrally therewith, we have illustrated in Fig.

a method of punching or forming s id stop plate so that any one or more of the additional stop lugs I58, I59 and I59 may be provided. Thus with the lug 33 of movable stop plate 94 positioned as illustrated the switch would be limited to movement to four diflerent operative positions by cooperation of lug 93 with the properly spaced stationary stop lugs 92 and I53. If the punch parts (not shown) are co-ordinated to provide for removal of lug I53 while permitting lugs 92 and I53 remain intact, the lug 93 might then be moved clockwise from the position, illustrated to provide a switch of the six-position type. By merely turning stop plate; 91 of Fig. 15 upside'down, so

that with lug 93 .in the position thereof illushated it would be located between lugs 92 and I50, a switch of the two-position type would be provided. With plate 31 so turned upside down; and with lug I removed, so that lug 93 may be. moved clockwise between lugs 92 and I59, a switch of the three-position type would be provided. It

will be noted that the aforementioned modiflca-.

' inabove described a double-pole, or double-break,

a very large variety of different circuit controlling arrangements may be provided. When any of the combined stationary contact and terminal members are omitted, we prefer to insert. in the recess for each terminal portion a closure,memher or plug formed of rubber or simi arelastic material, as shown at I53 in Fig. 10.

Similarly when it is des red to provide a sin le circuit connection for a'plurality ofvertically alinedterminals a bus member or connector. of

. the form illustrated at I54 in Fig. 6 may be emcontactor of the character shown at I3I in P18. 13 or at I52 in Fig. 17 maybe substituted for the single-break contactor 33 aforementioned. The contactor 'ISI is of a special form, the same consisting of a flat punching composedof copper or the like, the same having a substantially circular main portion, a pair of diametrically opposed radial lugs I64 and IE5 formingcontactor tips, and a pair of radial lugs I35 and I61 located on opposite sides of lug I55, with their respective radial center "lines spaced forty-five degrees fromthe latter. Contactor I5I is provided with a substan- '.tially square central opening Ill to provide for positioning thereof within carrier 33 (Fig. 8) in any one of four different angular relations. A contactor Iii is employed in the four-position switch of Fig. 11, from which it will be-noted that a special arrangement of only four stationary contact members I55 is required. Thus with contactor E'EI in its off position, as shown in Fig. 11, upon clockwise rotation thereof through an angle of forty-five degrees the single contactor tip I54 will-engage the first of thegroup of three stationary contacts and the contactor tip; I65 will engage the single stationary contact. In the next position the contactor tip I55 will engage said single stationary contact an the single tip I84 will engage the second stationary contact of said group; whereas in the third on position contact-or tip 55? will engage the single stationary contact and; the contactor tip IBl will engage the third stationary contact of said group. Ordinarily the stationary and movable stop plates of the switch will be formed and arranged to prevent any further clockwise movement of contactor ISI, but it will be obvious that, if desired, the same might be permitted to move through another iorty-five degree angle, to provide an oil" position at each end or the angular throw of the contactor, with three on positions thereb'etween. As will be understood, the switch of Fig. 11 provides for sequential control of three different electrical circuits.

As an alternative, 3. contactor substantially like that shown at iBi, but with the tips I66 and I? omitted or removed, might be employed; in which event a stationary contact I69 would be positioned on each side of the single contact shown in Fig. ll, so that the remaining contactor tips I64 and W5 would jointly engage sequentially different pairs of the respective groups of three stationary contacts. Other modifications will at once suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

The contactor i62 of Fig. 17 is functionally like the contactor 56S of Fig. 11, but differs from the latter in Z'cSP'BC'G of having a form of opening ITO (like the opening 4G or" contactor 38, Fig. 8) whereby contactor I62 may be located in any one of eight different angular positions with re spect to carrier 35. The radial lugs III to H t, inclusive, of contactor I62 have their respective tips 515 to 3'58, inclusiVe bent upwardly and to outwardly convexed form in horizontal cross section to afford relatively large area of engagement with the stationary contacts of switch.

When t is desired to provide for bottom wiring or" a switch employing a single base 25 having I89 to accommodate an additional screw like the screws I51. The side walls of notches I thus serve to maintain extensions I88 in properly spaced relationship to each other.

In the solder-lug terminal type of switch shown in Figs. 11 to 15, inclusive, certain of the parts may be identical with the corresponding parts aforedescribed, and have been given like numerals of reference. however, the one-piece molded insulating base I80 may be shallower, or of considerably less depth, than the base 25 aforedescribed. Such shallowness is possible primarily because of the relatively small height of the one-piece combined contact and terminal members I0 I, as compared with the combined contact and terminal members 52, 58 aforedescribed. Thus, upon comparison of Fig. 11 with Fig. '7, it will be noted that the main and auxiliary recesses in the two bases are quite similar in shape or contour; the difference in height of the base recesses corresponding substantially to the height of the upward extension 3| in base 25 (see Fig. 3). Thus, as best illustrated in Fig. 12, the aforedescribed molded insulating carrier 23 is adapted to rotatably seat directly against the bottom wall I92 of main recess I93; the major portion I of each auxiliary recess having its bottom wall in a corresponding plane. As shown at I95 in Figs. 11 and 12, however, the outer portion of each auxiliary recess is upon a slightly higher plane, whereby the flexible stationary contact portion of each member I9I is located a substantial distance above the bottom walls of said main and auxiliary recesses, as indicated at I96.

The blank from which each. combined contact and terminal member is produced is illustrated in Fig. 14, the points or lines of bending thereof being shown in dotted lines at I91, I98, I99 and wiring terminal screws, or or the lower base 25 of a multi-pole switch like that shown in l and 3, we prefer to attach to the lower surface of the base (or lowermost base) 25 by means of bolts substantially like the bolts Z23 aforedescribed, and of suitable length a punched insulating plate of the form illustrated at I79 in Fig. 19. Plate ITS has a central circular opening I80 to fit around the downward extension 30 of base 25, and three openings or passages IBI, I82 and I83 to be respectively alined with the passages I9, 80 and BI (Fig. 7) in base 25, whereby the bolt heads will underlie plate i'f to retain the same in assembled position. Plate H9 is provided with eight equally spaced peripheral notches I84 which are respectively vertically alined with the eight terminal recesses in the base; said notches each being adapted to accommodate, with a fairly close fit, the inwardly angled arm I85 (Fig. 18) of a terminal extension member I86, the vertical upper end portion I87 of which is provided with an opening I88 to provide clearance for the shank of a terminal screw I 51 of the switch; said portion I85 having near its lower end a tapped opening 200. Each member ISI is provided in the lower edge of portion. 20I thereof with a notch 202 for cooperative engagement with rectangular stud 203' formed integrally with the bottom wall portion I of each auxiliary recess. The portion 204 of each member is provided in its lower edge with a rectangular notch 205 which serves primarily to increase the flexibility of the contact portion. The upper edge of the free end portion of each member IBI is pr fersbly cut away, as indicated at 208 in Fig. 14:, to afford electrical clearance between the same and a collector ring when employed. The lower edge of the extreme end of the contact portion is also preferably cut away, as indicated at 209 in Fig. 14, to aflord clearance between the same and a stud 206 and wall portion 201, as shown in Fig. 11.

A flat punched insulating member 2| I of washer form is adapted to overlie contactor IBI; said member also underlying the atoredescrlbed insulating plate 83, whereby substantial upward displacement'of said contactor is prevented. Member MI is provided with a circular central opening 2 I2 to provide rotary clearance for the portion 29 of the operating shaft. A gasket 82 of the character aforedescrlbed directly overlies the peripheral portion of each base I90fincluding portions of the members IBI to retain the said members in proper position and to insulate the same. The other elements of the switch, including the operating knob may be of the form heretofore described.

As aforeindicateda stationary stop plate 01 having stop lugs 92 and I08 for cooperation with the lug 93 of the movable stop plate, as shown In this modified form of switch,

like that of Figs. 11 and 12.

In some installations it is desirable to provide a switch requiring an. angular movement of the contactor through .ninety degrees from each operative position thereof to another. Such operation is afforded by providing a metal cover member 2| 3 having only four equally spaced recesses 214 to 2", inclusive, formed in the lower surface thereof, as indicated in Fig. 16; member 2l3 being otherwise identical with the cover member H3 aforedescribed.

It is to be understood that the term multip018 employed herein refers to a switch of the present character embodying two or more insulating bases, each of which has switch parts associated therewith to provide for control of one or more electric circuits, whether circuits related to the respective bases are completed or interrupted in a given rotary position of the operating shaft. With reference to switches of the solder-lug cry of said flange being alined with said opening. a sheet metal contactor having a portion freely insertable into said recess and adapted to surround said flange to be insulated by the latter from an operating shaft positioned within said opening, said member having a multiplicity of spaced grooves extending from said recess to the periphery of the former, and said contactor havv ing a lug formed integrally therewith and extending through any one of a number of said grooves a substantial distance beyond the periphery of said member for cooperation with a I stationary contact of suitable form.

type, as showniiin Figs. 11 and 12, it is to be understood that; a single-break contactor of the form shown 94738 in Fig. 8 might be employed; a collector substantially like that shown at 41 in Fig. 8"b'eing employed, except that a reflexed portion 'and perforated solder lug portion I provided with a thin plating'of silver to insure a good soldered electrical connection of circuit wires to the terminal portions, and to improve the appearance thereof.

Although we have specifically described certain preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various alternative combinations of elements may be provided without departing from the spirit of my in vention or the scope of the appended claims.

As best illustrated in Fig. 8, the bottom wall MB of the upwardly opening recess in carrier 33 is formed to providea relatively shallow depression 01' sub-recess M9 (see Fig. 3), whereby the electrical insulating distance between portion 29 of the shaft and contactor 38 is substantially increased.

We claim:

1. In a rotary electric switch, in combination,

- 3. In a multi-position rotary electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating carrier member having a recess formed in one face thereof, said member having a central opening therethrough, a sheet metal contactor having portion freely insertable into said recess and peripheral wall of the latter in W tered relation to said opening 1 id member having a multiplicity of spaced' grooves extending through the wall of said reizess throughout the periphery of said member,saidcontactor having at least one lug formed integrally therewith and extending through any one of a number, of said grooves a substantial distance beyond the periphpaleed and cenery of said member, and the end portion of said lug being bent to extend upwardly a substantial distance therefrom,'said upwardly bent end portion being of arcuate form in horizontal cross section. l I

4. In a multi-position rotary electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating carrier member, said member having a flat lower surface and an upstanding peripheral wall defining a recess in a molded insulating carrier member having a recess formed in one face thereof, said member having an axial openingtherethrough, a metal contactor having a portion freely insertable into said recess and retained by the'walls of the latter in spaced relation to said axial opening. said member having a multiplicity of spaced grooves extending from said recess to the peri hery of the former and said contactor having at least one lug formed integrally therewith and extending through any one ofa' number of said grooves a substantial distance beyond the periphery of said member.

2. In a rotary. electric switch, in combination,

a molded insulating carrier member having 9'.

recess formed in one face thereof, said memberv having an axial opening therethrough, said mamthe upper surface thereof, said wall having a multiplicity of equally spaced grooves formed therein and leading from said recess, a relatively large central opening formed in said member, the walls of said opening being in planes at right angles to certain of said notches, an upstanding flange formed integrally with the bottom wall of said recess and having its inner peripher coplanar with the respective walls of said opening, a sheet metal contactor having a fiat portion freely insertable into said recess, said contactor having an opening therein to accommodate said flange, and said contactor having an integral lug adapted to extend through any one of a multiplicity of said grooves a substantial distance beyond the periphery of said member for cooperation with a resilient stationary contact of suitable form,

5. In a multi-position rotary electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating carrier member of circular contour, said member having a opening and an integral upstanding flange closely surrounding said opening, said peripheral wall and said flange defining a recess, a sheet metal contactor having a flat portion freely insertable into said recess, said contactor having at least one laterally extending lug formed integrally therewith, said peripheral wall. having a multiplicity of equally spaced radial grooves formed therein, any one of a number of said grooves bein adapted toaccommodate said lug, whereby the latter is adapted to cooperate with an associated resilient stationary contact of suitable form, and means comprising a shaft penetrating said opening in said member and engaging the walls there: of to provide for rotation of the latter in either direction selectively. 1

6. In a rotary electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating carrier member having a substantially circular recess therein, said member having a centrally located opening of polygonal form in transverse cross section, a metal member having a portion of substantially annular form freely insertable into said recess and retained by the walls of the latter in spaced relation to said opening, said insulating member having a multiplicity of equally spaced radial grooves extending from the periphery thereof to said recess, said metal member having a lug formed integrally therewith and extending through any one of said grooves a substantial distance beyond the periphery of said insulating member to act as a contactor, said annular portion of said metal member having a flange upstandin from the periphery thereof from points adjacent opposite sides of said lug, said flange being adapted for,

continuous engagement by a resilient ring-shaped metal clip to be connected to a source of current supply, and said contactor lug being adapted for I equally spaced radial grooves extending from the periphery thereof to said recess, said metal member having a lug formed integrally therewith and extending through any one of said grooves a substantial distance beyond the periphery of said insulating member to act as a contactor, said annular portion of said metal member having a flange upstanding from the periphery thereof from points adjacent opposite sides of said lug, said flange being adapted for continuous engagement b a resilient ring-shaped metal clip to be connected to a source of current supply, said contactor lug being adapted for movement in either direction into and out of engagement with one or more resilient stationary contacts of suitable form, an upstanding flange formed integrally with the bottom wall of said recess and having its inner periphery alined with said opening, said annular portion of said metal member being adapted to accommodate said last mentioned flange in spaced relationship thereto.

8. In a rotary electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating carrier member, said member having a recess formed therein, said member having a centrall located relatively large open ing or" square form therein, a flat sheet metal member having a portion of substantially annular form'freely insertable into said recess and retained by the latter in spaced relation to said opening, said insulating member having a multiplicity of equally spaced radial grooves formed in the peripheral wall of said recess, said metal member having at least two diametrically opposed lugs formed integrally therewith and respectively extending outwardly through any one of a num ber of diametrically opposed pairs of said grooves, whereb said lugs may be moved jointly into and out of bridging engagement with a diametrically opposed pair of resilient stationary contacts, an integral flange upstanding from the bottom wall of said recess and having its inner surfaces alined with the walls of said opening, and said annular portion of said metal member having its inner periphery shaped to accommodate said flange in any one of at least four positions.

9. In a multi-position rotary electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating base, said base having a centrally located main recess, an auxillary recess formed in the bottom wall of said first mentioned recess, said base having a bossv formed upon the lower surface thereof to form the lower portion of said auxiliary recess, the bottom wall of the latter being made relatively thin to provide for removal thereof by broaching, if desired, an insulating carrier member, said member having a flat lower surface adapted to seat within said recess, said member having a recess formed in the upper surface thereof and a multiplicity of spaced notches extending radially through the peripheral wall of said recess therein, a metal member positioned within said last mentioned recess and havin at least one integral lug projecting laterally through any one of a number of said notches, said insulating base having a multiplicity of spaced auxiliary recesses extending from the periphery of said main recess and opening to the periphery of said base, and a plurality of combined resilient stationary contact and terminal members positioned within certain of said auxiliary recesses, the resilient contact portion of at least one of said members being so positioned as to provide for movement of said lug into and out of engagement therewith selectively.

10. In a multi-position rotary electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating base, said base having a centrally located main recess, an auxiliary recess formed in the bottom wall of said first mentioned recess, said base having a boss formed upon the lower. surface thereof to form the lower portion of said auxiliary recess, the bottom wall of the latter being made relatively thin to provide for removal thereof by broaching, if desired, an insulating carrier member, said member having a flat lower surface adapted to seat within said recess, said member having a. recess formed in the upper surface thereof and a mul tiplicity of spaced notches extending radially through the peripheral wall of said recess therein, a metal member positioned within said last mentioned recess and having at least one integral lug projecting laterally through one of said notches, said insulating base having a multiplicity of spaced auxiliar recesses extending from the periphery of said main recess and opening to the periphery of said base, a plurality of resilient stationary contact and terminal members positioned within certain of said auxiliary recesses, the resilient contact portion of at least one of said members being so positioned as to provide for movement of said lug into and out of engagement therewith selectively, and the resilient contact portion of another of said members being adapted to overlie and continuously engage the metal member within the carrier recess to provide a source of current supply for said lug.

11. In a multi-position rotary electric switch,

in combination, a recessed molded insulating base,

an auxiliary recess formed in the bottom wall of said base, said base haying a boss formed upon the lower surface thereof to form the lower portion of said auxiliary recess} insulating member, said member having a t surface to seat within said recess, said member having a recess formed therein and a multiplicity of spaced notches extending through the peripheral wall of said recess, a metal member positioned within assure auxiliary recesses extending from the periphery of the main recess therein and opening to the periphery of said base, a plurality of resilient stationary contact and terminal members positioned within certain of said auxiliary recesses, the resilient contact portion of at least one of said members being so positioned as to provide for movement of said lug into and out of engagement therewith selectively, the resilient contact portion of another of said members being adapted to overlie and continuously engage the metal member within the carrierrecess to provide a source ofcurrent supply for said lug, an insulating gasket overlying the upper surface of said base, a relatively rigid insulating plate overlying said gasket, a stationary stop plate and a movable stop plate each formed of flat sheet metal, a cover member overlying all of said parts and rigidly attached to said base, a hollow metal bushing rigidly attached to said cover member, and a rotatable shaft adapted to bear within said bushing, said movable stop plate having non-rotatable engagement with said shaft whereby rotary movement of the latter in each direction is positively limited b said stationary stop plate.

12. In a rotary electric switch, in combination, a plurality of molded insulating bases of like form, each base having a central main recess formed in the upper surface thereof, an annular; ledge formed integrally with the bottom wall of said recess and providing a flat bearing surface, each base also having an extension formed integrally with the lower surface thereof,'said extension having atits lower end a relatively thin integral wall which may be readily removed by broaching, said ledge and said extension thus forming part of an auxiliary recess, an insulating carrier member, said member being freely insertable into said main recess and having a flat surface adapted to seat against said ledge, said carrier member having an opening of polygonal contour formed therein and an integral flange of uniform width surrounding said opening, said member having eight equally spaced upstanding studs formed integrally therewith at the periphery thereof, whereby eight equally spaced radial grooves are provided therebetween, a metal member having a centrally perforated flat portion freely insertable between said'studs and said flange, said metal member having at least one lug formed integrally therewith and extending laterally through one ofsaid grooves to provide a contactortip, said base having eight equally spaced auxiliary recessesformed in the upper surface thereof and extending from said main recess to the periphery of saidbase, a resilient stationary contact and terminal member silient contact tip portion of said last mentioned but the lowermost base having its aforementioned extension wall removed by broaching, and a shaft having a lower portion of polygonal cross'section penetrating the openings in all of said carriermembers to provide for rotation of the latter Jointly in opposite directions selectively.

13. In a rotary electric switch, in combination, a plurality of molded insulating bases of like form, each base having a central main recess formed in the upper surface thereof, each base having an'annular extension formed integrally with the lower surface thereof, said extension having at its lower end a relatively thin integral wall which may be readily removed by broaching, said extension forming part of an auxiliary recess, an insulating carrier member, said member being freely insertable into said main recess and having a flat lower surface, said carrier member having a central opening of square contour formed therein and an upstanding integral flange of uniform width surrounding said opening, said upper surface thereof and extending from said main recess to the periphery of said base. a resilient stationary contact and terminal member insertable into interlocking engagement with the walls of one of said auxiliary recesses, the resilient contactor tip portion of said last mentioned member being biased to a point closely adjacent the periphery of said carrier member, the con-, tactor tip associated with the latter being movable thereby in either direction into and out of engagement with said contact tip, means comprising asecond resilient stationary contact and terminal member positioned within another of said auxiliary recesses and having a portion engageable with said metal ember to provide for completion of a circuit to controlled by the latter, means for rigidly connecting said bases in superimposed relationship to each other, all but the lowermost base having its aforementioned extension wall removed by broaching, a shaft having a lower portion of square cross section jointly in oppomte directions selectively, a'cover member superimposedupon the upper base of insertable into interlocking engagement with the walls. of one of said auxiliary recesses; the re-fl the group and rigidly secured thereto, an externally threaded metal bushing rigidly secured to said cover member, said bushing having a passage of circular cross section extending therethrough, said shaft having a cylindrical portion adapted to bear withinsaid passage, and means associated with said shaft above and below said bushing to restrain said shaft against substantial endwise displacement.

- ii. In anelectric switch, in combination, a plurality of insulating bases produced inlike form, each base having a central main'recess formed in the upper surface thereof, a ledge formed integrally with the bottom wall of said recess and providing a flat bearing surface, each,

base also having an extension formed integrally with the lowersurface thereof, said extension having at its lower end a'relatively thin integral wall which may be readily removed by broaching, said ledge and said extension thus formin part of an auxiliary recess, an insulating carrier member, said member being freely insertable into said main recess and having a flat lower-surface adapted to seat against said ledge, sa carrier member having a central opening formed therein and an upstanding integral flange surrounding said opening, said member having spaced upstanding studs formed integrally therewith at the periphery thereof, whereby spaced radial grooves are provided therebetween, a sheet metal member having a portion freely insertable between said studs and said flange, said metal member having at least one lug formed integrally therewith and extending through any one or" a number of said grooves to provide a contactor said base having spaced auxiliary recesses formed in the upper surface thereof and extending from said main recess to the periphery of said base, a resilient stationary contact insertable into one of said auxiliary recesses, the ccntactor tip associated with the carrier member being movable thereby in either direction into and out of engagement with said contact tip, means comprising a second resilient stationary contact positioned within another of said auxiliary recesses and having a portion engageabl with said metal member to provide for completion of a circuit to be controlled by the latter, means for rigidly connecting said bases in superimposed relationship to each other, all

but the lowermost base having its aforemen tioned extension wall removed by breaching, a shaft penetrating the openings in all of said carrier members to provide for rotation of the latter jointly in opposite directions selectively, a cover member superimposed upon the upper base of the group and rigidly secured thereto, an externally threaded bushing rigidly secured to said cover member, said bushing having a passage extending therethrough, said shaft being accommodated within said passage, said shaft having means projecting laterally therefrom below said bushing, a resilient metal member of convexed form adapted to seat against said projecting means, an opening formed in said last mentioned member, a metal ball adapted to bear within said opening and pressed by said member against the lower surface of said cover member, said shaft having associated means overlying the upper end of said bushing to positively limit downward displacement of said shaft.

15. In an electric switch adapted for rotation in either direction selectively to any one or more of eight operative positions, in combination, an

irsulatmg base of relatively small depth, said member having a fiat portion freely insertable within the area defined by said studs, said flat portion having a central opening of substantially greater size than said carrier opening, said flat portion having a lug formed integrally therewith radial and extending radially therefrom through one each having an interlocking fit within one of said peripheral recesses, the wiring terminal portions of said members being exposed at the outer peripheral surface of said base, said lug being movable in either direction selectively into or out of engagement with the resilient contact por tion of at least one of said members, the resilient contact portion of at least one other of said members being adapted to simultaneously engage another portion of said sheet metal member to provide for completion of a circuit controlled thereby, a metal cover member overlying the upper surface of said base and rigidly attached to the latter in insulated relation to said switch parts, and a shaft supported by said cover member and having a portion non-rotatably engaged with the walls of said carrier opening.

16. In an electric switch adapted for rotation in each direction selectively to any one or more of eight operative positions, in combination, a molded insulating base of relatively small depth, said base having a centrally located main recess and a multiplicity of peripheral recesses communicating therewith, a molded insulating carrier member rotatably supported within said main recess, said member having a non-circular central opening formed therein and a multiplicity of upstanding studs formed integrally therewith at the periphery thereof whereby a correspondlng number of radial grooves are provided therebetween, a metal member having a flat portion freely insertable within the area defined by said studs, said flat portion having a central opening of substantially greater size than said non-circular opening, said flat portion having at least one lug formed integrally therewith and extending radially therefrom through a corresponding number of said grooves a substantial distance beyond the periphery of said carrier member, a plurality of resilient stationary contact and wiring terminal members each having an interlocking fit within one of said peripheral recesses, said carrier member being movable in either direction selectively from any one of a multiplicity of difierent rotary positions to effect sequential completion and interruption of a plurality of alternative circuits, 9. cover member overlying the upper surface of said base and rigidly attached to the latter, a shaft rotatably supported by said cover member and havinga portion non-rotatably engaged with the walls of said non-circular opening, a perforated flat metal stop plate interposed between said cover member and said base for fixed supportv/ith respect thereto, a second fiat metal stop plate interlocked with said shaft for rotation thereby, said stop plates being arranged in coplanar relationship to each other, saidmovable stop plate having a single lug formed thereon, and said fixed stop plate having at least one lug formed thereon for cooperative engagement by said single lug to positively limit the degree of rotation of said shaft in each direction respectively.

17. In an electric switch adapted for rotation in either direction to any of eight operative positions, in combination, an insulating base of rela-' tively small depth, said base having a. centrally located main recess and eight equally spaced peripheral recesses communicating therewith, an insulating carrier member rotatably supported within said main recess, said member having a non-circular central opening formed therein and eight equally spaced upstanding studs formed integrally therewith at the periphery thereof whereby a corresponding number of radial grooves are provided'therebetween, a sheet metal member having a flat portion freely insertable within the area defined by said studs, said flat portion having a central opening of substantially greater size than said non-circular opening, said flat portion having at least one lug formed integrally therewith and extending radially therefrom through a corresponding number of aid grooves a substantial distance beyond the, periphery ofsaid carrier member, a plurality of resilient stationary contact and wiring terminal members each having an interlocking fit within one of said peripheral recesses, said carrier member being movable to any one of a multiplicity of diiferent rotary positions to effect sequential completion and interruption of a plurality of alternative circuits, a metal cover member overlying the upper surface of said base and rigidly attached to the latter, a shaft rotatably sup-. ported by said cover member and having a porsaid metal member having four lugs formed in- 'tegrally therewith and projecting outwardly through certain of said grooves, two of said lugs .being diametrically opposite to each other and terminal member positioned in one of said auxtion non-rotatably engaged with the walls of said non-circular opening, a perforated, flat sheet metal stop plate interposed between said cover member and said base for fixed 'support with respect thereto, a second fiat sheet metal stop plate interlocked with said shaft for rotation thereby, said movable stop plate having a single iliary recesses and three like contact and. terminal members positioned in the group of three auxiliary recesses directly opposite thereto, said lugs being movable from a circuit interrupting position to positions in which the group of .three thereof sequentially engage said single contact .while said single lug sequentially engages said group of three contacts, whereby three alternative circuits may be completed in sequence or all of said circuits may be-interrupted. g

, 1 9. In a rotary electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating carrier memberv having a recess formed in one face thereof, said member having an axial opening therethrough of polygonal form in transverse cross section, a metal contactor having a portion of substantially annular form freely insertable into said recess and retained by the walls of the latter in spaced relation to said axial opening, said member having a multiplicity of equally spaced'radial grooves in the periphery thereof, an open-sided metal washer forcibly engaging said shaft within said kerf, said washer overlying the upper end of said bushing to positively limit the downward displacement of said shaft, a resilient metal indexing member of substantially circular contour underlying the central portion of said cover extending from said recess to the periphery of the former, said contactor having at least one vlug formed integrally therewith and extending through any one of. a number of said grooves a substantial distance beyond the periphery of said member, a recessed molded insulating basemember .within which said carrier is rotatably mounted, and an associated insulating member overlying said contactor to restrain the same and said carrier against outward displacement from said base member. I

20. In a rotary electric switch, in combina- ."tion, a molded insulating carrier member having a recess formed in one face thereof, said member member, said indexing member having a central opening the walls of which non-rotatably engage a portion of said shaft for rotation by the latter, diametrically opposite side portions of said indexing member being bent upwardly'toward said cover member and each" having'a relatively small circular opening formed therein, a pair of a i an axial opening therethrough of polygonal form in transverse cross section, a metal contactcr having a portion of substantially an-" nular form freely insertable into said recess and retained by the walls of the latter in spaced relaq tending from said recess to the periphery of the former, said contactor having at least one lug formed integrally therewith and extending formed therein to accommodate portions of said balls,whereby said shaft'is releasably restrained in any one of its operative rotary positions.

. mounted, and an associated insulating'member overlying said contactor to restrain are same and said carrier against outward displacement from i said base member, said associated member comprising a second like insulating base member superimposed upon and rigidly attached to the base member first mentioned.

supported within said main recess, said member having a.v substantially square central opening formed therein and eight equally'spaced-upstandsheet metal member freely insertable within the 2'1, m a multi-pole, multi-gbositidn may switch, in combination, apiurality of insulating bases initially-of like form and adaptedtobeproducedby .a straight-line molding operation, said bases'being of substantially circularcontour, each base having a centrally located substantially cir l of radial grooves are provided therebetween, a

drea defined by said studs, said metal member having an opening symmetrical with respect to ad of greater size than said central openinz.

cular main recess1and an auxiliary reces of smaller diameter alined therewith, said'auxiliary' recess"- extending "downwardly a substantial distance below the, main portion of the lower surface of said base and having a relatively thin integraldiaphragm forming the bottom wall thereor, said diaphragm being intact upon the lowermost base and the same having been removed by breaching from the bases thereabove, each base having eight equally spaced auxiliary recesses ex tending between said main recess and-the periphcry of the base, a multiplicity of combined stationary resilient contact and terminal members positioned with a press lit in a corresponding number of said auxiliary recesses, theresilient contact portions of said members being located adjacent said main r cess, a recessed molded insulating carrier member located within each main recess, a sheet metal member positioned within each carrier recess. each metal member having at least one lug projecting laterally beyond the car-.

at into and out oi engagement contact portions, means for d bases to each other, and on non-rotatably penetrating all of a ers to provide for simultaneous rotation m e latter in one direction or the other throu" out a predetermined range.

22. In a mult -Zion rotary electric switch, in combination, a lrled insulating base having an imperforate lower surface and a recess in the upper surface thereof, a molded insulating carrier member rotate 7? supported within said recess, said carrier me or having a recess in the upper surface thereo a multiplicity of equally spaced notches rig radially through the peripheral wall of last mentioned recess, a sheet metal contac n tioned within said last mentioned a "rig at least one integral lug projecting ough a corresponding numbe: of d. insulating base having a multiplicity spaced auxiliary recesses extending from mentioned rece a shaft havi ualry ss, a plurality of combined resilient stationary contact and wiring terminal members position d within certain or all of said auxiliary rec he wiring terminal portions of said mm acting to seal the respective e periphery thereof to said first.

auxiliary recesses at the periphery of said base,

a resilient insulating gasket 0! annular form overlying the upper surface of said base adjacent the periphery thereof, a sheet metal cover member overlying said gasket and rigidly attached to said base, a shaft rotatably supported by said cover member, and said shaft having a portion in driving engagement with said carrier and insulated by the latter from said contactor.

23. In a multi-pole, multi-position rotary electric switch, in combination, a plurality of insulating bases produced in like form by a straightline molding operation, each base having a main recess and eight equally spaced auxiliary recesses extending from said main recess to the periphery of the base, each basehaving a plurality of combined resilient stational'y contact and terminal members positioned within certain of said auxiliary recesses, the terminal portions of said members being adapted to seal the peripheral openings of the respective auxiliary recesses, a, molded, imperforate, rubberlike member positioned within the peripheral portion of each vacant auxiliary recess to peripherally seal the latter, a metal contactor and an insulating carrier therefor rotatably mounted within each main recess, the lower surface of the lowermost base being imperiorate and the other bases each having a central opening formed therein by broaching, a metal cover member superimposed upon the upper base of the group, common means for rigidly attaching said bases to each other and to said cover member, a shaft rotatably supported by said cover member and having direct driving engagement with each of said carriers, and a resilient insulating gasket 01 annular form overlying the upper surface-of each base adjacent the periphery thereof, whereby the switching device as a whole is rendered substantially dusttight.

GEORGE J. MEUER. RALPH A. lJIILERMASTER. 

